Brushing Teeth: Helping Your Child Build Healthy Habits
It’s not always easy (or mess-free), but daily brushing is a habit worth building and it’s never too early to start!
Getting young children to brush their teeth can be a real challenge - especially when you’re rushing out the door, or winding down for bedtime. But forming healthy dental habits early on can set your child for strong teeth, a confident smile, and less stress in the future.
At Step Start, we know how tricky it can be, and we’re here to help make it feel less like a battle, and more like a time effort.
When should I start brushing?
As soon as your baby’s first tooth appears! Use a soft brush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) and gently clean their teeth twice a day - ideally after breakfast and before bed.
Toothbrushing tips for toddlers and preschoolers:
- Let them take part - Children love independence. Let them hold the brush, add the toothpaste (with supervision!), or finish the last few swipes themselves.
- Make it fun - Use a sand timer, a favourite song, or a brushing app to keep things playful.
- Get the right tools - A small, soft-bristled toothbrush and child-friendly fluoride toothpaste are best.
- Brush together - Let them watch you brush your teeth too, children learn best by copying.
- Use a mirror - Watching themselves brush can boost focus and engagement.
- Stay consistent - Even if they resist, keep brushing twice a day. It’s about building the habit.
What if they refuse?
It’s normal to hit resistance. Keep calm, stay consistent, and avoid turning brushing into a power struggle. Even just getting them to hold the toothbrush at first is a step forward. Try sitting behind them and brushing together in front of a mirror, or letting them “brush” a toy’s teeth first.
What we do at Step Start
We encourage healthy habits by:
- Talking about hygiene and self-care in our daily routines
- Using role-play, songs and stories to explore teeth brushing
- Reinforcing positive messages about looking after our bodies
- Supporting independence in age-appropriate ways
Every little brush counts
Toothbrushing doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be regular. With gentle encouragement, a bit of creativity, and lots of patience, your child will get the hang of it. And as always, we’re here to support your family through every stage of your child’s development - even the wiggly, toothpaste-covered ones!